Dispenser for liquids



Jan. 2, 1940. G, BINON DISPENSER FOR LIQUIDS Filed Oct. 18, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR Georges Binon BY M ATTOR Jan. 2, 1940. B|NQN 2,185,288

DISPENSER FOR LIQUIDS Filed Oct. 18, 19:57 2 Shets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR G80 FgQS B I non BY Mr ATTORNE;S

ill

Patented Jan. 2, 1940 DISPENSER FOR LIQUIDS Georges Binon, Paris, France, assignor to Walter Grumbacher and Walter J. Grumbacher, co-

partners doing business as M.

New York, N. Y.

Grnmbacher,

Application October 18, 1937, Serial No. 169,553 In Belgium October 19, 1936 13 Claims.

My present invention relates generally to dispensing devices, and has particular reference to the dispensing of-liquids.

While my invention is primarily directed toward the dispensing of a liquid such as ink from a container such as a bottle to facilitate the feeding of the ink to the nibs of a draftsmans pen, nevertheless it will be understood that my invention has a far wider applicability. Merely for the purpose of explaining the nature of my invention, I have herein illustrated and shall hereinafter describe the manner inwhich the invention is applicable to an ink bottle or similar container.

My invention is characterized by the association with a container for the liquid of a means for controlling the flow of liquid out of the container which, in the preferred embodiment, comprises an outlet tube so constructed and arranged that movement of the outlet tube will automatically render said means operative to efiect a discharge of liquid through the outlet tube. Thus, with the outlet tube properly designed for the purpose, the nibs of a draftsmans pen may be applied thereto and the movement of the outlet tube by the pen, itself, may be caused to effect an expulsion of ink through the outlet tube into the nibs of the pen.

Preferably, the flow-controlling means is of a character which is normally inoperative and which, when rendered operative, effects a definite expulsion of the liquid through the outlet tube.

In the preferred form of my invention, the liquid-expelling means comprises a deformable chamber adapted, when deformed, to diminish its volumetric capacity. I prefer to employ for this purpose a collapsible chamber comprising a hollow body of resilient deformable material such as rubber. From a broader aspect, my invention may be said to comprise a container having a compressible portion, the compressible portion being constituted of a hollow body of resilient deformable material, and the capillary outlet tube projecting from said portion and being adapted by'movement thereof to effect compression of said portion and consequent expulsion of liquid through the outlet tube.

While the compressible or deformable portion or body may be permanently associated with the container, I prefer to construct the same in a manner which permits its removable application to a container or bottle which may, under certain circumstances, embody the conventional shape of ink bottles already on the market, In such an event, the present dispenser serves the additional function of a closure for the bottle. I

Another feature of my invention lies in the optional association of the present unit with a separate support therefor. The unit may be mounted in the support in a pivotable manner, or it may be permanently or removably mounted in the support in relatively fixed relationship.

I achieve the foregoing objects and advantages,

and such other objects and advantages as may 1 hereinafter appear or be pointed out, in the manner illustratively exemplified in the accompanying drawings, wherein- Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a dispensing unit embodying the features of my present 15 invention;

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the same; Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing the container in pivoted relationship to the sup- Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional View of 25.

the liquid-expelling means of Figures 14;

Figure 6 is'a view similar to Figure 5, showing the manner in which the means is distorted or deformed to efiect expulsionof liquid;

Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the capillary outlet tube of Figures 5 and 6;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7, illustrating a modification;

Figure 9 is view similar to Figure 7, illustrating a further modification;

Figure 10 is a side elevational view of a modified form of liquid-dispensing unit;

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 10, showing the container in pivoted or adjustable relationship to the support;

Figure 12 is a side elevational view of a further modification of the unit;

Figure 13 is a front view of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is an enlarged elevational view, partly in cross-section, showing a further modification 46 of the invention; and I Figure 15 shows a further embodiment of my invention.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-4, a

support 20, preferably provided with non-skid 50 constructed and arranged that it may be associated with the neck of the container 25 which is adapted to accommodate a supply of liquid such as ink.

It will be understood that the ring 24 may, if 5 desired, form a part of the container 25 or it may be an entirely separate element. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the container 25 may, itself, embody integral journal portions adapted to be pivotally supported, either in a removable m or permanent manner, in association with the upstanding portions 22 of the support.

The characterizing features of the present dispenser are indicated most clearly in Figures 5 and 6.

On the assumption that the container 25 is of the more or less conventional character, composed of glass or the like and comprising an outlet neck, a hollow body 26 is designed to be associated with the outlet neck to serve as a closure therefor. The body 26 is in the form of a hollow, chamber or hood and may be composed of resilient deformable material such as rubber.

This body, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, comprises the side walls 2'! and the end wall 28; and in the end wall 28 I provide an integral neck portion 29 which is eccentrically positioned. The end wall 28 it will be observed is thinner than the side walls 21 and is therefore more readily deformed, as will be obvious.

' 30 Extending through the portion 29 is a capillary outlet tube 30 which is mounted in liquid-tight association with the hood or portion 26. The outlet tube is of relatively rigid material, such as vulcanized hard rubber or its equivalent, and comprises not only the capillary midportion but also a tail portion 3| which extends into the hollow deformable body. In the embodiment of Figures 5, 6, and 7, the tail portion 3| is arcuately formed, but this is not absolutely essential as will be pointed out presently.

Where the device is intended for use by draftsmen or the like, the outlet tube 30 is also provided with the forwardly projecting feeding portion 32 which may \be forked, as shown in Figures 5-7, this portion being adapted to be grasped between the nibs 33 of a drafting pen, as shown in Figure 4.

When the device is used, it normally assumes the position of Figures 1 and 2, the container 25 being firmly supported in substantially upright position with the deformable outlet chamber 26 arranged at the top, i. e., above the level of the liquid, such as ink, within the container.

When the draftsman desires to withdraw ink from the container, he engages the portion 32 between the nibs of his drafting pen and swings the container into the position of Figures 3 and 4. This brings the\outlet chamber or deformable hood member into a position below the level of the liquid. However, liquid does not immediately flow out of the container because of the fact that the outlet tube has a capillary passage which normally prevents egress of liquid. By slightly moving the outlet tube, however, this being accomplished by the drafting pen, itself, the outlet tube may be caused to assume a position such as that shown in Figure 6. This movement brings about a distortion or deformation of the deformable chamber, as indicated generally by the reference numeral 34 in Figure 6. In the embodiment herein illustrated, this deformation is of a character which diminishes the volumetric capacity of the deformable chamber or hood, whereby a positive expulsion of liquid is brought about. During the movement of the outlet tube,

the tail portion 3| braces itself against the adjacent side wall 21, and this facilitates the desired deformation or compression of the deformable member, such deformation taking place in the relatively thin end wall 28, which bulges inward as shown in Figure 6, due to the eccentric setting of the outlet tube.

It will be observed that the ink as it flows out of the outlet tube will pass directly into the spaces between the nibs 33 of the drafting pen. Any desired quantity of ink may thus be withdrawn. Thereupon, the outlet tube is released, and the container is permitted to assume the normal position of Figures 1 and 2.

The entire procedure, as hereinbefore outlined, may obviously be carried out by the draftsman with only one hand. This leaves the other hand free to support his drawing board, T-square, triangles, etc., and, in general, this simplified onehanded procedure greatly facilitates the matter of feeding a new supply of ink to the drafting pen.

In Figure 8 I'have illustrated a modified type of capillary outlet tube in which the body portion 35 and the forwardly extending forked portion 36 are substantially the same as in Figure 7, but in which the tail portion 31 is substantially straight as compared with the arcuate tail portion 3| of Figure 7.

In Figure 9 I have illustrated a further modification of the outlet tube in which the tail portion 38 is substantially straight, as in Figure '7, but in which the body portion 39 tapers forwardly to produce the wedge-shaped feeding pro- 'jection 40.

When an outlet tube of the character illustrated in either Figures 8 or 9 is used with a detformable hood of the character shown, it is mounted more closely to the side wall 2'! and in substantial parallelism with the latter, as illusrated most clearly in Figure 14.

In Figures 1-4, the container has been shown in a pivotal relationship to a support, with the pivot axis substantially horizontal. In Figures 10 and 11 I have shown a modified unit in which the pivot axis is inclined approximately 70 to the horizontal.

In Figures 10 and 11 a support 4| is provided with the flat inclined upper surface 42. At the approximate center of this surface, a circular bore 43 is provided to serve as a bearing for the pivot pin 44. This pivot pin is formed or mounted on the flattened under surface of a conainer 45 so that the container may be swung from the normal inoperative position of Figure 10 to the operative position of Figure 11. Obviously, the mutual pivoting of the container 45 on the base 4! may be accomplished by means other than the illustrated expedient of the interengaging pin 44 and bore 43.

In this embodiment, the container is provided with an outlet neck in association with which a deformable member 46 is mounted. This member will be substantially the same, in general character, as the hood illustrated and described in Figures 5 and '6; and a capillary outlet tube 41 projects from this deformable chamber in the manner shown.

In connection with Figures 10 and 11, it is not contemplated that the container will be swung from the position of Figure 10 to that of Figure 11 each time the pen is to be filled, or each time that liquid is to be withdrawn. It has been found satisfactory and feasible to leave the unit in the position of Figure 10 when it is not in use, and to swing it into the position of Figure 11 during operative periods. It

will be observed that in Figure 10 the deformable member 46 is substantially above the level 5 d8 of the liquid within the container 45; whereas the outlet chamber 46 is below this level when the container is pivoted into the position of Figure 11. Even with the chamber in the position of Figure 11, no liquid will flow out of the outlet tube 41 until the latter is moved, either by the nibs of a drawing pen or otherwise. When so moved, the portion or member 46 will distort, as hereinbefore described, to effect an expulsion of liquid.

In Figures 12 and 13 I have illustrated a modification in which the'container 49 has tapered wall portions 50 and a substantially flat end wall 5i, the support in this case comprising the base 52 and the spaced upstanding portions 53. The 20 portions 53 are so constructed and arranged with respect to the walls 50 that the latter may be wedged into the position shown in Figures 12 and 13 At other times, the container 49 'may be bodily removed from the support and 2d stood upon the bottom wall 51.

In this embodiment, a deformable outlet chamber 54 is associated with the container 49, and a capillary outlet tube 55 projects therefrom and functions as hereinbefore described.

30 Obviously, if desired, the unit of Figures 12 and 13 may be made of one piece in its entirety; or the container may be mounted in an irremovable manner within the support 52.

Other means of associating the container with a support, either pivotally or otherwise, .will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art; and, except as expressed in the appended claims, I do not consider my invention to be restricted to the specific embodiments herein illustrated and described.

Moreover, it will be obvious that the invention does not require the employment of a support at all; and, under certain circumstances, the

container, together with the deformable or compressible portion, and the capillary outlet tube, may constitute a complete unit by itself, independent of any additional support. In Figure 14 I have illustrated the applicability of my invention to a bottle or container of conventional character. The reference numeral 56 is applied to a glass bottle having the outlet neck 5?. Associated with this outlet neck is a bored stopper portion 58 which carries the deformable hood or outlet chamber 59. The latter has the bored projection 60 in which a capillary outlet tube Bl is mounted, this tube being substantially of the character illustrated most clearly in Figure 9. Preferably, the portions 58 and 59 are made of one integral piece of soft rubber or the like which may be separately manufactured and sold, as a unit, in conjunction with the capillary outlet tube for use with a conventional bottle of the character designated 56. If desired, the bored stopper portion 58 need not necessarily project into the neck of the bottle but may, under certain circumstances, be applied to the neck of the bottle exteriorly thereof.

In using the device of Figure 14, the bottle must be tipped either by hand or otherwise to bring the deformable chamber below the level of the liquid, at which time the outlet tube may be engaged by the nibs of a drawing pen, moved to distort the member 59, and thereby caused to discharge ink into the pen.

The entire unit of Figure 14 may, obviously,

be mounted into pivotal association with a suitable saddle or other contrivance for permitting ajpivoting thereof, in which case the resultant assembly embodies substantially the characteristics illustrated in connection with Figures 1-4.

In the embodiment of Figure 15 I have illustrated an arrangement in which a metal frame comprises a base H and two side walls 12 arranged to receive between them the type of container designated by the reference numeral 13. This container is pivotally mounted on the frame 10 by journal portions integrally formed on the container and cooperating with complementary formations on the frame '70. More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment, the journal portions on the container take the form of integral projections 14 which are adapted to be received in slots in the walls 12. It will be understood, of course, that the elements formed in the bottle need not necessarily be projections but may be in the form of depressions which would cooperate with complementary projections on the supporting frame.

Attention is invited particularly to the height of the pivot axis with reference to the center of gravity, whichis such as to cause the apparatus to function most efliciently from the standpoint (a) of normally maintaining the bottle in vertical position and returning it to that position automatically when the bottle is released, and (b) of requiring a minimum effort to tilt the bottle or container to its position of use, shown in dot-and-dash lines. This desirable objective is accomplished by arranging the pivot axis above the center of gravity of the container, but closer to the center of gravity than the pivot axis of Figures 14.

It will be understood that the container of Figures 1-4, and also the container of Figure 15, will always automatically assume its normal vertical position when released, even though the base or support happens to be resting on an inclined surface such .as a drafting board.

It will also be understood that the feeding projections of the capillary outlet tube, as indicated by the reference numerals 32, 36 and -40, need not necessarily assume the positions illustrated in the present drawings. For example, referring for purposes of explanation to Figures 5 and 6 it may, under certain circumstances, be desirable to arrange the feeding projection 32 at the upper end of the body portion 30, rather than at the lower end as shown in these figures.

Furthermore, the arcuate tail portion 3| of Figures 5 and 6 may be swung the other way, if desired, whereby the convex surface of the tail portion braces itself against the side wall 21.

As herelnbefore stated, the invention is not restricted in its applicability to the dispensing of ink and may, obviously, find wider utility in the dispensing of various types of liquids either into various types of instrumentalities serving a function similar to the drawing pen herein mentioned or otherwise.

In general, it will be understood that changes in the details, herein described and illustrated for the purpose of explaining the nature of my invention, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. It is, therefore, intended that these details be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention, and illu trated its use, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In a dispenser for a liquid, a container having a compressible portion, and a capillary outlet tube projecting from said portion and .adapted by movement thereof to effect compression of said portion and consequent expulsion of liquid through said tube; said compressible portion comprising a hollow body of resilient deformable material such as rubber, and said outlet tube comprising a relatively rigid element extending through the wall of said hollow body in liquidtight relation thereto; said tube having a tail portion adapted to brace itself against an inner side wall of said hollow body when the tube is moved.

2. In a dispenser for a liquid, a container having a compressible portion, and a capillary outlet tube projecting-from said portion and adapted by movement thereof to effect compression of said portion and consequent expulsion of liquid through said tube; said compressible portion comprising a hollow body of resilient deformable material such as rubber, said body having side walls and a relatively thin end wall, and said outlet tube extending eccentrically through the end wall, said tube comprising a relatively rigid element with a tail portion adapted to brace itself against the adjacent side wall of said body when the tube is moved.

3. For use with a container for liquid, said container comprising a body portion and an outlet neck, a combination closure and dispenser comprising a bored stopper for said neck, a hollow hood carried by said stopper and composed of resilient deformable material such as rubber, and a capillary outlet tube extending through said hood and comprising a relatively rigid element, said tube being eccentrically mounted so that angling movement thereof is adapted to deform the hood to diminish the volumetric capacity of the latter, whereby movement of the tube brings about an expulsionof liquid through it. 4. In a dispenser for a liquid, a container having a compressible portion, and a capillary outlet tube projecting from said portion and adapted by movement thereof to effect compression of said portion and consequent expulsion of liquid through said tube; said compressible portion comprising a hollow body of resilient deformable material such as rubber, said body having side walls and a relatively thin end wall, and said outlet tube extending eccentrically through the end wall.

5. A dispenser for liquids comprising a container, a mounting for said container permitting it to tilt, and means for tilting said container, said means being in the form of an outlet tube having a capillary passage therethrough adapted for the discharge of liquids from the container, a resilient deformable cap on said container, said outlet tube being mounted in said cap in such a position that an angling movement of said outlet tube in relation to said cap will cause a deformation of the cap decreasing the volumetric capacity of the container, whereby on tilting said container and thereafter angling said outlet tube relatively to said cap a discharge of liquid through said outlet tube will take place as a result of the increased internal pressure.

6. A dispenser for liquids comprising a container, a mounting for said container permitting it to tilt, and means for tilting said container, said means being in the form of an outlet tube having a capillary passage therethrough adapted for the discharge of liquids from the container, a resilient deformable cap on said container, said cap having side walls and a relatively thin end wall, said outlet tube being mounted eccentrically in said cap in such a position that an angling movement of said outlet tube in relation to said cap will cause a deformation of the cap decreasing the volumetric capacity of the container, whereby on tilting said container and thereafter angling said outlet tube relatively to said cap a discharge of liquid through said outlet tube will take place as a result of the increased internal pressure.

.7. A dispenser for liquids comprising a container for liquids, a portion of the wall of said container being resilient and deformable, an outlet tube mounted in said resilient deformable wall portion in such a position that angling thereof in relation to the cap will cause an inward movement of portions of said cap without compensating outward movement of other portions whereby the volumetric contents of said container will be reduced.

8. A dispenser for liquids comprising a container, a mounting for said container permitting it to tilt, and means for tilting said container, said means being in the form of an outlet having a capillary passage therethrough adapted for the discharge of liquids from the container, a resilient deformable cap on said container, said outlet tube being mounted in said cap in such a position that an angling movement of said outlet tube in relation to said cap will cause a deformation of the cap decreasing the volumetric capacity of the container, whereby on tilting said container and thereafter angling said outlet tube relatively to said cap a discharge of liquid through said outlet tube will take place as a result of the increased internal pressure, said outlet tube having an end portion adapted for insertion between the nibs of a drafting pen, whereby said pen may be applied to said outlet tube and used to tilt the container, while when said pen is twisted about its longitudinal axis said outlet tube will be caused to angle relatively to said cap.

9. A dispenser for liquids comprising a container for liquids, a portion of the wall of said container being resilient and deformable, an outlet tube mounted in said resilient deformable wall portion near an edge of said portion, so that angling thereof in relation to the cap will cause an inward movement of portions of said cap without compensating outward movement of other portions whereby the volumetric contents of said container will be reduced.

10. An outlet tube for discharging liquids from a dispenser for liquids, said tube being adapted for mounting in a deformable wall portion of said container and being provided with a forked outer end adapted for insertion between the nibs of a drafting pen, and an inner inlet portion adapted to receive liquid and to guide it into said tubular portion.

11. An outlet tube for discharging liquids from a dispenser for liquids, said tube being adapted for mounting in a deformable wall portion of said container and being provided with a forked outer end adapted for insertion between the nibs of a drafting pen, and an inner inlet portion adapted to receive liquid and to guide itinto said tubular portion, said inlet portion being laterally offset.

12. An outlet tube for discharging liquids from a dispenser for liquids, said tube being adapted for mounting in a deformable wall portion of said adapted for insertion into a deformable wall portion of said container, and provided with a wedge shaped end portion having a slot therein terminating short of the tip of said end portion, and said end portion being adapted for insertion between the nibs of a drafting pen.

GEORGES BINON. 

